People Mentioned in this Work

Described as "powerful, arch, and often caustic." Epstein also alleges that he might have been a lover of Whitman's.

Clapp is described as a "most skillful and devoted publicist," who"could make hay out of scandal." He ran both good and bad press for promoting Whitman. Epstein claims that Clapp gave Whitman the advice, "Better to have people stirred against you if they can't be stirred for you."

Described as a one-eyed, Polish man who wore a cape and blue-tinted glasses to protect his good eye. De Gurowski was supposedly in exile. Epstein claims he brought with him an air of romance and intellectual arrogance and that he idolized Whitman.

de Gurowski's connection to Pfaffs was through his writing for the Tribune.

Epstein mentions that Whitman was never reported as being seen drunk at Pfaff's and that his regular table was along the back wall. Epstein states here that Whitman compared the size of Pfaff's to his bedroom on Portland Ave (other sources note that this comparison was made to Whitman's bedroom at Mickle St.).

Epstein remarks that everyone knew in 1861 that Whitman could be found at Pfaff's, where he was admired by the gathered artists. Epstein also discusses Whitman's meetings with the Fred Gray Association and claims he was Jovian and in his element at Pfaff's.